Welcome to chapter 9.

In this chapter, Gilgamesh and Amaris have another chat with Kirei.

Now, some reviews:

NightBringer325: Yes, female Shirou is going to be the king's reborn lover and Rider is on thin ice with Gilgamesh due to his big mouth and yes dead Assassin.

T3mp3rusMaximus: Yes and you win that suckers bet.

Also, thanks to everyone for their support! And big thanks to AZ23AJ for all of your brainstorming help.

I do NOT own Harry Potter or the Fate Series, just my Oc's and story idea!

Here we go!

CHAPTER 9:Talks

KIREI'S OFFICE

After the banquet, Amaris and Gilgamesh decided to pay Kirei another visit, so the king and queen were in his office waiting for the priest to return from his talk with Tokiomi.

"Hahaha! Gil! Stop! That's enough!" Amaris said while laughing as she struggled to escape from under her husband as he tickled her sides with one hand while using the other to cage her to the sofa above her.

What caused this? Well, Amaris had been preparing some wine for them to drink after changing into their modern clothing but it seems Gilgamesh was in a rather playful mood after the banquet. He had come up behind his queen and made her jump, she had let out a small yelp and spilled some wine on the table making her lightly scold her king who began tickling her sides. She managed to escape his grasp and this lead to a chase around the room until he managed to tackle her to the sofa and tickle her silly.

"What is going on here?" Kirei's voice was heard making the couple look up at the door as Kirei stood there looking a bit shocked.

Amaris took the distraction to escape Gilgamesh's grasp making him pout a bit, he then huffs and moved to sit on the sofa.

"Sorry, Kirei, just Gilgamesh being playful," Amaris said a bit red-faced as she fixed her clothing.

"I see," He said moving over to his desk as Amaris got back to sorting the drinks out.

"You're both in high spirits by the looks and sounds of things," Kirei said as Gilgamesh accepting his glass of wine while looking at the chessboard of class figurings.

"I still see little value to this grail but even if it is trash that's fine," Gilgamesh said taking a sip as Amaris noticed something with Kirei.

His eyes were dazed and he seemed to be lost in a world of his own, he almost seemed sad, lost, detached by something. She hums before gasping quietly as she remembered something, something that Reisi asked of her.

FLASHBACK

"Queen Amaris, I have a favor to ask of you," Reisi asked making Amaris look at him questingly.

"What is this favor you speak of?" Amaris asked as the strange noise she heard got louder.

"It's about my son, Kirei, lately he has been not himself," Reisi said with a sigh before shaking his head.

"Not himself? In what way?" She asked.

"A few days ago he received a letter from his late wife's parents, I think it was to do with Kirei's daughter, my grandchild since then he has been constantly lost in thought," Reisi said remembering the white-haired and golden eye child, she took after her mother in looks.

"Late wife? Hearing about his child must have triggered his memories of her, tell me Reisi, has Kirei grieved for his loss properly?" Amaris asked she had an inkling as to what might be happening.

"I am unsure, a few days after she died Kirei was dragged into the world of mages and the war," Reisi said sadly.

"This is why I'm asking you, please, Queen of Heroes, help my son find himself again and be free of his burdens," Reisi asked looking at Amaris with worry that only a father could have for their child.

Amaris was silent before she closed her eyes and smiled, she then nodded with a chuckle saying "Very well, I shall do my best, besides I cannot have my future retainer be burdened by such woes,"

Reisi relaxed as the stress and worry seemed to leave his shoulders before a loud bang rang out making both of them jump.

END OF FLASHBACK

Amaris was snapped from her thoughts as she looked back over at Kirei as he responded to something her husband said.

"I'm simply relieved, I've finally been freed of a most unpleasant burden," Kirei said going over to his desk and sitting down with a small wince.

"I take it Alexis caught you?" Amaris asked with a small chuckle.

'My dear, I believe I've figured out the puzzle that is Kirei' Amaris said over their link making him glance at her.

"Yes, she is formidable when she sets her mind to it," Kirei said with a small sigh while reaching down to rub his sore lower back from one of Alexis's kicks.

'And what is it, my love?' Gilgamesh asked curiously.

'Thanks to Reisi I found out Kirei lost his wife a few days before he was pulled into the Grail war and made to study being a mage, tell me, Gil, what would you be like if you weren't allowed to grieve for my death?' Amaris asked softly as she sat down beside Gil who frowns a bit.

'Very bitter and irritated, I would feel empty, ah, I see' Gilgamesh thought seeing where his wife was going with it all.

'Yes, I believe it's time for our retainer to grieve for the loss of the one he loved' Amaris said as she leans up and kissed Gil's cheek making him regain his smirk.

'Now, this is what we'll do, ask him about..' Amaris said making a quick plan which her king nods to before speaking up and distracting Kirei from his painful back.

"What becomes of the command seals once they disappear?" Gilgamesh asked making Kirei look up at him.

"According to theory command seals ultimately return to the grail, the Holy Grail repossesses the command seals from any master who has lost their servent and has withdrawn from the war," Kirei said leaning on his desk.

"Also, if for whatever reason a servant loses its master the grail will give those seals to a newly chosen master assuming one can be found before the war is over," Kirei said as Gilgamesh picked up the Assassin chess piece to look it over.

"The command seals stay apart of this world until their use, in the end, any remaining seals are given to the Overseer for safekeeping," Kirei said as Gilgamesh put the assassin piece back on the board and knocked it over.

"So, depending on what happens now a new master may appear and enter the fight?" Amaris asked leaning over to pick her wine glass up and take a sip from it.

"Possibly but the Holy Grail does not deem many on this Earth to be worthy of that role thus when a replacement master is sought the grail tends to select one of those whom it had previously considered and deemed suitable for participation," Kirei said before pausing seeming to think about something.

"What's the matter? Continue with your talk, go on," Gilgamesh said gesturing for Kirei to keep speaking.

"There is an unspoken reason that the holy church gives asylum and protection to those masters who have left the war, in the event a place should open among the remaining masters there's a high probability that any unpaired masters will receive the command seals left behind, this is why Grail War masters try to kill rather than injure or temporarily incapacitate enemy masters," Kirei said as Amaris put her drink down and Gilgamesh chuckles.

"Well then from that perspective is there not a good chance that the command seals will be given to you again?" Gilgamesh asked curiously it was a possibility after all from what Kirei said he was now a servantless master.

"Impossible, if as Tokiomi has always suggested the Holy Grail only chose me as a support mage to the Tohsaka team, I have fulfilled that duty and am finished," Kirei said a hint of tired relief in his voice.

"Tokiomi already possesses a winning strategy for dealing with the other remaining masters and their servants, there is simply nothing more for me to do," Kirei said leaning back in his chair.

'Even the best strategies in the world can be faltered by a simple act' Amaris thought there was always an outside force to take into consideration when making strategies, something that Tokiomi seems to be forgetting lately it seems with his overconfidence.

"If I may opine, Tokiomi's hypotheses have been dubious from the start, he has never struck me as a man truly fit to be backed by the power and prestige of the grail," Gilgamesh said with a smirk before taking a sip of his drink as Amaris opened her Lunar Gate to check something.

"I must say I'm surprised that you have such harsh words to offer regarding your own master," Kirei said resting his head on his hand.

"Kirei, you seem to be mistaken as to who serves whom in my relationship to Tokiomi, he is treated civilly as my vessel and he supplies me with mana as an offering, I answered his summons precisely because those were the terms of our pact," Gilgamesh said lowering his drink and giving Kirei a small glare.

"I'm curious, what do you make of the command seals then Gilgamesh, Amaris?" Kirei asked making Amaris close her gate and look at him.

"They are annoying at best," Amaris said but those seals were useful as well, she could think of a few times she would have loved to use them on Gilgamesh in the past, mostly his very stupid moments in their youths.

"I hate them but if a vassal is trying to become a better vassal I don't mind listening to a differing opinion or two from time to time," Gilgamesh said with a smirk as Amaris spoke up.

"By the way, Kirei, you said earlier on that Assassin fulfilled his missions before he was destroyed, did he also complete the matter we spoke of?" Amaris asked making Kirei blink before remembering the talk.

"You mean learning about the motives of the other masters for desiring the grail? Yes, they completed that investigation I should have had an assassin present the report to you in person last night, that would have saved me the trouble of having to," Kirei said before being cut off by Amaris.

"No, this is fine, we're would rather you tell it us face to face," Amaris said with a smile as Gilgamesh out his finished glass down and looked at Kirei who stood up from his desk with a small frown.

"Very well," Kirei said going over to the wall next to the sofa and started his report on what the assassins found out about the masters.

AN HOUR LATER

"In regards to Rider's and Lacer's masters, they have no wish in particular for the grail should they win it, Rider's master seeks victory to prove himself while Lancer's master wishes to bring honor to her family," Kirei said before pausing.

"Something wrong Kirei, you seem a bit unsure about Lancer's master," Amaris asked as she watched the man.

"Well, Assassin wasn't able to get a full cover of Lancer's master due to them becoming, hm, very engaged with each other as of a while ago," Kirei said while clearing his throat.

"Oh? So Lancer has found his maiden then, how poetic for them," Gilgamesh said looks like this grail war was not only reuniting old love but creating new love as well, he wondered if Arthur's lover could be summoned as well? It was a possibility if she is recorded in his legends.

"Now, as for Caster's master, he seems to have no real understanding as to what the grail is he's only taking part in the Holy Grail War as an extension of his interest for killing for fun," Kirei said crossing his arms.

"The child killer, I've got a special blade with his name on it," Amaris said with disgust at that master and servant, she hoped they rotted in hell when they finally perish.

"Then there is Berserker's master, he is immature and seeks a measure of absolution above all else for a time he severed all ties with the Matou family yet now he's demanding that the family set free the younger Tohsaka daughter whom they adopted, she is currently being groomed to be the next head of the Matou family in his place, he has been given the assignment of winning the holy grail to secure his end of a bargain for her release," Kirei said before looking at the floor.

"Quite the motive," Gilgamesh said making Amaris nod.

"Alexis said the Matou family has a questionable practice, she hasn't told me what it is though but she wants her sister back," Amaris said as Kirei closed his eyes trying to remember assassin's full report.

"Saber's master confuses me, he is a mercenary hired by the Einzburns to fulfill their life long dream of obtaining the grail, yet his wish is something he kept close to his chest not even Assassin could discover it before their demise," Kirei said opening his eyes and going quite.

"Looks like an interesting mix of masters yet some borings ones as well," Gilgamesh said looking at Amaris who saw Kirei become lost in thought again his eyes becoming distant and detached.

'It is time' She sent Gilgamesh who nods and leans forward to pour three glasses of wine.

"Your distracted again Kirei, thinking of Caren are we?" Amaris asked casually making Kirei jolt and look at her in shock.

"What, how do you know about her?" Kirei asked shocked his eyes wide.

Amaris smiled as she stood up and walked over to Kirei and stopped before him, he watched her closely. His body tense and you could tell he was a bit shaken by the sudden mention of his daughter and how Amaris knew of her.

"Your eyes are those of a lost one Kirei," Amaris said gently before reaching up and holding Kirei's left cheek.

"You have been without her for so long, haven't you? Unable to release, to grieve for her loss, the emptiness you must feel," Amaris said not taking her eyes off Kirei as he tried to stay in control of himself.

He grits his teeth as tears slowly formed in his eyes, the mention of his daughter, Amaris's words it brought all that pain of losing his wife back. His chest hurt, his eyes stung he felt like he needed to yell but couldn't.

Amaris gave a soft smile as she saw the emotions build in Kirei, he needed one final push to release. She moves pulling Kirei close and wrapped her arms around him, like a mother hugging their child, she felt him stiffen as she spoke up.

"Let it out Kirei, let lose your despair and pain," Amaris said soothingly.

"There is no need to be ashamed of crying for a loved one Kirei, release and find closure," Gilgamesh said his voice calm but a sympathetic look in his eyes as he watched on.

This seemed to destroy the remaining barriers Kirei had as he moved burying his face into Amaris's shoulder as his shoulders shook, he made little noise but the intake of his breathing increased as a wet patch formed on the queen's shoulder. His arms reached up and wrapped around Amaris's waist seeking comfort, she hums stroking Kirei's hair as her king summoned a pitcher of wine or later use.

When there were no more tears left to cry Kirei slowly pulled away from Amaris, his face tear-stained and slightly red. He looked a bit embarrassed but also like a great weight was gone from his shoulders a big burden that he no longer had to carry. The queen smiled as she noticed that Kirei's eyes were no longer a dull brown, now they were clear and reminded her of chocolate strangely.

Kirei looked away from Amaris to dry his eyes, he cleared his throat saying quietly "Thank you,"

"The loss of a loved one is never pretty," Gilgamesh said as Amaris lead Kirei over to the sofa and sat him down on the chair beside the sofa.

"It...hurt, it hurt so much," Kirei said his voice a bit strained and drained.

"Here, a little bit of wine won't do much harm," Amaris said picking up the third glass and giving it to Kirei who simply held the glass while leaning forward on his legs.

She sat down as Gilgamesh decided to speak with Kirei, not as a king to his subject, but as someone who knew the pain of losing the love of his life once before.

"Drink Kirei, while I speak of my own loss and pain, of how I lost Amaris in the past to a jealous goddess," Gilgamesh said as he began the story.

The rest of the night was spent with emotions being laid bare, Gilgamesh told Kirei about Amaris and their unborn child being killed. Which is why he was so protective of his wife, Amaris told Kirei of her only regret of not being able to save her own child from death's doors. In turn, Kirei spoke of his wife and how they met to their wedding. He spoke of his daughter and how after his wife's death he had to send her away to his wife's parents to raise her since he found himself unfit to look after her.

After a couple of glasses of wine, a more relaxed Kirei looked over at the king and queen as they sat cuddled into each other's embrace.

"Thank you, both of you, I think...I've needed this for a while," Kirei said as Gilgamesh nods.

"You are most welcome Kirei, hehehe, you may repay us for this work by becoming my wifes vassal," Gilgamesh said with a smirk but a slightly teasing tone.

"Vassal?" Kirei asked confused.

"Yes, I need someone who will be by my side through thick and thin, to watch my back when my husband is not around, you would fit that role perfectly Kirei," Amaris said before looking at Kirei who seemed to be thinking about it.

"I think being a vassal is something I can do, it would certainly be...interesting," Kirei said a small smile on his lips as Amaris chuckles while Gilgamesh sent her a triumphant smirk making her roll her eyes playfully and ruffle his hair up.

"Oi!" Gilgamesh said pulling away and shaking his head letting Amaris sit up.

"If that is alright with you Kirei, from this day forward you shall be my vassal the vassal of the Queen of Heroes!" Amaris said with a tiny bit of flare as her magic accepted the new vassal bond between them.

Both males chuckled at her as Gilgamesh pulled Amaris into a kiss while Kirei leans back in his chair letting the new bond settle into place, maybe, just maybe this was the new start he needed. With this he would find his path again, this time he would not lose sight of what was important to him.

Done!

A bit of an emotional one but Kirei is no longer on the path of insanity like in the show.

In the next chapter, Caster makes his move.

Until then, Saberbladeprime signing out!